Question

A ramp with a constant incline is made to connect a driveway to a front door. At a point 4 feet from the driveway, the height of the ramp is 12 inches. At a point 6 feet from the driveway, the height of the ramp is 18 inches. What is the rate of change of the ramp's incline?

Answer 1

Answer:

1/4 ft vertically per 1 ft horizontally, or 3inches per foot

Step-by-step explanation:

Translate these words into symbols:  One point is at (4 ft, 12 in) and the other is at (6 ft, 18 in).  Now find the slope of the line connecting these two points:

As we move from (4 ft, 12 in) to (6 ft, 18 in), x increases by 2 ft and y increases by (1/2) ft.

Thus, the slope of this line is m = rise / run = (1/2 ft) / (2 ft) = (1/4) ft per ft